Insolite - 1

One of my favourite French words is ‘insolite’. Insolite means ‘unusual’ in a surprising, note-worthy, exceptional, strange, singular … kind of way. When I’m travelling, I’m constantly looking for ‘insolite’ places, almost unknown to tourists.

That particular Wednesday in June, was a succession of ‘insolite’ discoveries. It started with the well-hidden Gallo-Roman aqueduct, followed by the mysterious Roman Pile and lunch at the terrace-less restaurant. Our next destination was even more ‘insolite’ and to me the highlight of our day: the Château of Cinq-Mars – or what is left of it.  The history of the castle is closely linked to its famous resident, Henri Coiffier de Ruzé d'Effiat, the young Marquis de Cinq-Mars whose execution at the age of 23 was ordered by Louis XIII and Richelieu for treason.

From April 1st till June 30rd the castle is only open on Sundays and holidays ...

We were there on June 5th ... and yet!Also notice the part about animals being welcome, 

except for lions and tigers (the last but one line).

We visited the château after lunch. When we arrived the parking lot was still as empty as it had been prior to our lunch. The notice on the gate wasn’t very encouraging as to our chances of visiting the castle in June.

Ring the bell hard and long ... 

and wait for three minutes!

We decided to try our luck though and rang the bell very hard and long as the hand-written sign on the large wooden gate read. Another hand-written panel urged visitors to wait for three minutes! However, after less than 15 seconds we heard somebody handling the metal door-lock. Ever so slowly the gate swung open, making a hair-raising sound. We looked at each other, not knowing what to expect …